Is it OK to wear shorts in Costa Rica?

Shorts and skimpy clothing are common at the beach, but as soon as you head into the mountains you'll want long pants. This isn't just about temperature. In places like San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and largest city, locals almost never wear shorts in public. They're considered a bit shabby.

Is there a dress code in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a casual destination, and there is no dress code in the country. Most touristic destinations are along the coast, so the average Costa Rica outfits consists of shorts, a shirt/tank top, and sandals.

What do people usually wear in Costa Rica?

Men typically wear a red handkerchief with a knot in the front tied around their necks. They also wear blue jeans instead of light colored pants. Whereas in Limon, the traditional dress for women is a white cotton blouse with colorful trim and a patterned skirt. They also wear African turbans.

What should I avoid in Costa Rica?

What should I wear on a plane to Costa Rica?

Outfits for Costa Rica

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and casual footwear on the plane. For safety, do not wear high heels or thong sandals that might cause you to trip or slip off during an emergency. Hide a money belt beneath your clothing.

What To Wear in Costa Rica | Packing guide for the entire country

Can you wear jeans in Costa Rica?

Jeans, khakis or long pants are better. Our recommendations: For Costa Rica, clothes that dry fast (like Nike Dri-fit clothes) and wick away moisture are the best, especially if you're visiting the beach or rainforest. Additionally, most laundromats don't normally use dryers so you will want clothes that dry fast.

How can I avoid getting sick in Costa Rica?

Wash your hands before eating, Take sensible precautions with where you eat while travelling around the country. Chose places with a high turnover so the food will be fresh, avoid eating uncooked vegetables and unpasteurized milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.

What is considered offensive in Costa Rica?

Topics such as pre-marital sex, abortion, and gay marriage are generally avoided. Costa Ricans are very polite, so be sure not to put your feet on furniture; always say please and thank you, and try not raise your voice in anger, at least in public.

Is it safe to backpack in Costa Rica?

While Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for traveling and backpacking in Central America, it's always good to play it safe. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is one of the most common types of crime here. Don't flash your valuables and make sure they always secure while you're out.

Is Costa Rica sketchy?

How bad is crime in Costa Rica? In the 2020 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is ranked 32 out of 163 countries when it comes to overall peace. This is an increase of two positions from 2019. In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12.

Is Costa Rica casual?

With the exception of the San Jose metro area, Costa Rica is an extremely casual country. Leave that office-wear behind and slip into your more comfortable tops, shorts, and sandals. If you plan to go out for some nice dinners, simple dresses are a good option for the ladies, and shorts and polo shirts for the men.

Are there a lot of bugs in Costa Rica?

Since Costa Rica is in the tropics, there are at least 4,000 different kinds of bugs all over the country, which come in varying shapes and sizes. Keep in mind that you might find these critters anywhere, no matter which city or town you go to, even if the weather is moderate.

Can you drink water in Costa Rica?

The short answer is yes. You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in most every part of the country. In some rural areas, including the Caribbean and in non-touristy places, you may want to stick with bottled water.

Do people wear heels in Costa Rica?

Don't you dare. By which I mean: don't you dare even think about packing things like sweatshirts and jeans and heels—and this is coming from someone who, despite being in her thirties, STILL LOVES TO WEAR HEELS. Costa Rica is not the place. Even if you're a hot mama.

How much cash bring to Costa Rica?

We recommend that you bring around $50 to $100 US dollars in cash and a VISA or Master Card. There are other credit cards that are accepted, but VISA and Master Card are the most commonly accepted throughout Costa Rica. If needed, you can get a cash advance on a VISA card if you go to a large bank.

When should you not go to Costa Rica?

But if you have just a week or two to get away, there are certain times of year you'll want to avoid. The rainiest months in general are September and October. During this time, you could have several days in a row with prolonged periods of rain, which can make it difficult to get out and explore.

Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico?

Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico? Yes, Costa Rica is statistically safer than Mexico. The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. As per its safety ranking, Costa Rica is Level One whereas Mexico is Level Two.

What are the dangers in Costa Rica?

Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

What are the do's and don'ts in Costa Rica?

How English friendly is Costa Rica?

Spanish is the main language spoken in Costa Rica. However, with such an emphasis on tourism, there are many people who speak English in Costa Rica. It's always helpful to know a little bit of Spanish so you can attempt to speak with the locals. They will appreciate it, even if they speak English.

Are Costa Ricans friendly?

Costa Ricans tend to be proud, friendly, and diverse people who enjoy sharing their culture and social activities with newcomers. Costa Rica is the place of pura vida (pure life), a contagious attitude of living life to the fullest.

Can I brush my teeth with Costa Rica water?

The water used for bathing and brushing one's teeth is not safe to drink, and most of the time it's fine — but on that rare occasion it's not. The water is known to be good in most parts of Costa Rica, but regardless, it's always good to check with locals to make sure the water is okay to drink.

Is travelers diarrhea common in Costa Rica?

Other more serious causes of Traveler's Diarrhea aren't likely to be encountered in Costa Rica's water or food supplies, but if you're spending time in the back country or traveling on a very low budget you should be cautious of Giardiasis (common in unpurified water) and Cholera (uncommon) which can be contracted from ...

Will my phone charger work in Costa Rica?

​Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type, so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.

Can I use US dollars in Costa Rica?

U.S. Dollars are Accepted in Costa Rica

For visitors from the U.S. there's no reason to change money in advance because dollars are commonly used in Costa Rica. The taxis out in front of the airport, the restaurants and hotels all accept dollars.